by Brittney (link)
Genre het, romance, mystery/thriller
Pairings Taylor/OFC
Length 30 chapters and epilogue
Status Completed (with sequel)
My favorite type of hanfic is the type that takes real life and just turns it a bit… sideways. The stories that ask the really interesting question, “What if?” Bed of Lies is one of those stories, but Brittney takes it several steps further than that.
Inspired by Taylor’s own dubiously timed wedding, the story is based around a one night stand that turns into a shotgun wedding to save face and disguise the truth — in fact, the entire wedding begins as a fake just for the sake of the baby. The whole concept gets turned on its head, though, because it’s told from the point of view of the reluctant bride. I think that’s a refreshing twist from looking at it only from Taylor’s point of view.
Before reading the story, I did wonder why Brittney couldn’t have just used Taylor’s real life. It’s similar enough and provides plenty of room for speculation. However, the twist here is in the details — the mysterious stalker, Taylor’s bad attitude, and more. These details really make the story come to life, and I don’t think a story from Natalie’s point of view would have the same nuance or provide the same room for creativity.
>At times, I had trouble with Eden’s reactions to some of Taylor’s behavior and how their relationship progressed and grew. As an author, I know how difficult it is to write a burgeoning relationship when one character hardly seems to have any redeeming qualities. It takes finesse, and as the story progresses, I think Brittney comes to nail it. When the story begins, Eden is only 18 and she’s forced to grow up a lot; her narrative voice is somewhat childish, but she is hardly more than a child.
I think the best thing about this story is that it both is and isn’t a romance. That is, the romance isn’t the entire point of it. It’s really a story about Eden and Taylor and how their lives develop together, babies and stalkers and all. The romance doesn’t take a back seat; it’s just allowed to happen naturally. Also, the mystery plot had me on the edge of my seat! It’s hard to write a mystery that completely takes your readers by surprise, but Brittney does it. Overall, Bed of Lies is a well balanced, nuanced story with something for every reader.
Review by Bethany (website)